Minor gangraped; 3 held, 5 at large

Police have arrested three men for allegedly raping a minor girl of Mehatpur, 10 km from here, on Thursday night.

Mehatpur SHO Surinder Pal Singh said the accused arrested on Friday had been identified as Palwinder Singh Sonu, a resident of Shahpur village, and Dalbir alias Laddi and Balwinder Singh of Khurmpur village.

The SHO said the three accused were part of an eight-member gang involved in the crime. The other accused have been identified as Ajay Kumar and Manga of Khurmpur village; Mithu and Baba Pachi Shaw, residents of Danewal village, and Sunny, resident of Shahpur.

The victim told the police that she was going to her friend's place on December 13 evening when Sonu asked her to sit on his motorcycle. She alleged that she was taken to Ismailpur and later to Balwinder's house, where all the accused raped her. The accused threatened to kill her in case she reported the matter to anyone.

The SHO said a case had been registered against the eight accused and raids were being conducted to nab the five others. He said the medical examination of the victim was conducted that confirmed the rape.